# backbone

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈbækˌbəʊn/ · frequency rank #14,275

## Definitions
1. The series of vertebrae, separated by disks, that encloses and protects the spinal cord, and runs down the middle of the back in vertebrate animals.
2. Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure.
3. Courage, fortitude, or strength.

## Etymology
From Middle English bakbon, bakebon, bac-bon; equivalent to back + bone. Compare the semantically analogous English ridgebone.

## Easily confused with
- **backline** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/backbone-vs-backline)

## Common misspellings (12)
`abckbone`, `bacbkone`, `bacckbone`, `backbbone`, `backbnoe`, `backboen`, `backbonne`, `backkbone`, `backobne`, `bakcbone`, `bbackbone`, `bcakbone`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/backbone